The Great Outdoors: Offshoring for Staffing is a Cost-Saving Option for Law Firms

Right up until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, most law firms were very office-centric businesses, meaning that everybody was working inside of an office, most of the time.  You know, commuting and the whole deal.  Now, pretty much everybody’s got a flex schedule, and law firms have even expanded into using contractors far more extensively, than they ever have before. 

 

So, the question is: How far does this go? 

 

Like, geographically: How far, in terms of miles?

Because the thing is that, lots more law firms are now starting to (literally) extend their use of contractors, to offshore teams.  There are many countries from which law firms can draw contract staff, including those in Asia (particularly the Philippines, where there is a significant administration management culture), Eastern Europe and Latin and South America.  Staffers are trained for specific administrative roles; and, many contractors are ‘accent-neutral’, which is helpful for conversing with American clients, if staffpeople will be consumer-facing.  In some cases, you can even find licensed attorneys in non-U.S. jurisdictions, to help you with more substantive work. 

 

But, I kind of buried the lead – because one of the main reasons that lawyers hire offshore contractors, is because of the cost.  Contractors based out the United States are often much cheaper, in terms of hourly requirements than are more local options. 

 

So, if you’ve maxed out your efficiency with technology, and want to start delegating in a cost-effective way to contract staff, it may be time to look out over your traditional borders. 

 

. . . 

 

If you’re growing, and need to talk staffing – we can help!  Just reach out. 

Through a unique partnership between the bar association and Jared Correia's Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Vermont Bar Association members have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate.

To get started, visit Red Cave's Vermont Bar Association landing page, and start running your law practice like a business.